University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Spotlight: 2016 Volleyball Seniors
11/27/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Our Gophers seniors have been a part of over 100 program wins, made a Sweet 16 and Final Four appearance and won the first program's first Big Ten title since 2002. Margaret Eggert, Erica Handley, Hannah Tapp and Paige Tapp are all set to graduate next month, while Katie Schau and Sarah Wilhite are scheduled to graduate in the 2017-18 academic year. Building a foundation of the Gopher culture, these seniors aren't done just yet. This group will also lead the Gophers into the NCAA Tournament, set to begin next weekend.
Margaret Eggert: I am so grateful for everyone I met along the way that helped me get to where I am today. I would never be here if it wasn't for the support of my mom, dad, and sister. For the younger players: don't take the relationships for granted. It is such an amazing opportunity to play the sport you love surrounded by people that support you. Embrace this.
Erica Handley: Fans, thank you for being with us throughout the years! It means so much to be able to play in front of such an amazing crowd. Coaches, thank you for not only making me a better volleyball player but also a better person. Family, thank you for your unconditional support and sacrifices you have made for me throughout my entire volleyball career. I could not have done it without you! The best piece of advice that I can give younger players is to embrace your role. Everybody has a different role on the team and that role may even change, but whatever it is just embrace it and attack it with positivity. Not only will it help you as a person, but it will help your team significantly.
Katie Schau: Thank you to the fans who have been here through all four years. We have had some great seasons, and seasons that didn't live up to expectation, but it's great to have a fan base that sticks with us through all of it. Thank you to all the coaches for caring about me as a player and a person. The lessons they have taught me go well beyond just volleyball. The biggest thank you goes to my parents for the unwavering support they've given me since the very beginning. I wouldn't have made it this far without their encouragement and belief. Advice I'd give to the younger players is to not take a second for granted. I was told 100 times how fast four years would go by, but somehow it still shocks me how fast it went.
Hannah Tapp: The people that surround me here at Minnesota are incredible. I can't put into words just how grateful I am for everyone and everything they have done for me. A special thanks to the coaching staff for believing in me day in and day out, helping me to be the best I can be. For younger players, you will never regret working as hard as you can and giving the moment of competition all you have; when it comes to an end, you can know you gave it your all.
Paige Tapp: I am so grateful for the past four years. This program has given me much more than I could have ever anticipated. I cannot thank my coaches, the fans, and my family enough for their constant support on this journey. To all young players: work hard every day, thank those who help you, and enjoy every step of the way.
Sarah Wilhite: I want to thank the fans, my coaches, and my family for being there for me and the team throughout my four years here. I wouldn't be where I am today with you! For the younger players: ENJOY your time at the University of Minnesota; don't take a second for granted because the four years fly by.
